Top 5 Tips to Keep your Roof in Good Working Order

The roof is a very important part of the home- just think of it like your head. You can lose up to 75% of your body heat through your head, and you can lose heat through the roof through poor loft insulation. Your hair keeps your head warm similarly to the roof, which keeps the building warm and dry; and without it your furniture would get water-damaged.

So as humans look after the top of their head to keep their body functioning on a day-to-day basis, so too should you make sure that your roof is in tip top shape.
It is in your best interest to maintain the upper hand in repair work because replacing it can be really costly. What measures can you implement to safeguard your property and your purse strings? Here are top 5 tips to ensure your roof stays intact and healthy for years to come.

Ventilation

Condensation in the roof can be prevented through an adequate ventilation supply. If the space does not get enough exposure to air, water vapour condenses on the underside of the roof tiles causing damp. If the insulation gets wet this can cause mould and the timbers can even rot. We don’t need to tell you what kind of damage can occur from rotting timbers now do we?

Check Every 6 Months for Leaks

Roof maintenance is an annual task but you should still check the property every 6 months for any missing tiles or broken slates. Scan the roof for any signs of damage on the opposite side of the road- you may not even know that you have a small leak developing.

If you do see any black streaks on the roof this is an indication that fungus is growing on the tiles. Make sure you check for any missing tiles after a storm or strong winds as it might have loosened or even dislodged the slates.

Are chunks of mortar falling off your roof? Is there any problem with the flashing? Make sure there are no leaks or missing parts of the lead, zinc or plastic sheet which provides a sealed joint between walls and porches or chimneys.

Keep the Gutter Clear

It’s not that unusual to see fallen leaves in a gutter but built up debris can stop rainwater from flowing smoothly ad this can cause a leak. Try to keep the gutter clear.

Sagging

A sagging roof can leak to broken roof trusses, leaks and even roof collapse. How do you know if your roof is sagging? You will see the roof dip slightly. Check if the chimney stack is leaning or if the parapet wall is out of alignment.

Greenery

If there is any greenery growing out of the roof, remove this immediately. What is more, if any plants or tree branches overhang, cut them away immediately. They can impinge on the roof and cause hefty damage.

It’s quick and easy to give your roof a health check. Follow these top 5 tips to ensure you have a healthy roof that is in good working order.
And remember- just as the heart is one of the most crucial organs in the human body, the roof plays a vital part in a property’s structure. Just as you would ensure that your heart is in good working order to keep it functioning on a day-to-day basis, so too should you make sure that your roof is in tip top shape.

And if after carrying out a health check you think your roof needs work, make sure you leave it to the professionals. Climbing up on the roof by yourself is dangerous.

This article was provided by Myredlandroof, the industry experts with the know-how. Visit the site today to find reputable roofers across the UK including roofing companies Glasgow based, in London, Manchester, and Birmingham etc.